Forgetting the Accent

This is the 'I' form (yo) in the simple past tense (Preterite). It describes a single action that finished completely at a specific point in the past.

Yo Form in the Past

Notice the accent mark on the 'é'. This is essential for all regular -AR verbs in the 'yo' preterite form, distinguishing it from the present tense ('gano').

Accent Mark Change

Use 'gané' (simple past) when you know exactly when the winning happened (e.g., 'yesterday', 'last week'). Use 'ganaba' (imperfect) only to describe habitual winning or background actions.

Past Tense Choice

Extremely common. This is the standard way to say 'I won' or 'I earned' in the past.

Remember that 'gané' means you actively earned the money (through work), not that you saved it. The verb for saving money is 'ahorrar'.

Earning vs. Saving

Very common when discussing income or salary.

To talk about gaining weight, Spanish often uses 'ganar' (gané peso/kilos), whereas English speakers might say 'put on' weight.

Gaining Weight

Common in figurative speech or when discussing changes in condition or quantity.

Learn the meaning and uses of 'ganó,' the Spanish simple past (Preterite) 'I' form of 'ganar.' Covers its use for winning competitions, earning money, and gaining experience.

gané

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations